Barclays Female Founder Accelerator 2023 member
TAZAAR
TAZAAR seeks to bring inclusivity to the circular economy with accessible digital service records that trace the product's user journey throughout their lifecycle.
This brings trust and authentication regarding products provenance, service history and ownership. This democratices the circular economy by allowing people to capture value in single use technology products in resale, repair and recycling and feed valuable product data back to manufacturers to inform improved sustainable design and remanufacture.
Why did you apply for the Female Founder Accelerator?
I applied for Barclays-Accelerateher primarily because of the great recommendations of both organisations from founders. It is also a female only accelerator and I had been on a female only accelerator in 2022 and it was a fantastic support and learning experience.
Do you think there's a need for programmes like this for Female Founders?
Yes, absolutely. Female founders need an open and honest female centric support system where we can strip away the founder bravado and allow ourselves to ask what we consider at times stupid questions.
Why did you want to start your business?
I'm highly motivated and one of the main reasons I get up in the morning is because I am doing something that is much greater than what I could do working for someone else.
What are you looking to get out of this programme?
I want to be more confident on finances and funding. The association with a bank and heavy focus on this on the programme was key to applying. I also want to be part of both Barclays Eagle Labs and Acceleratehers entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Which entrepreneur inspires you the most and why?
Anne Boden, without a doubt. I think what she achieved in the banking world is inspirational. She would have had a lot of self-determination in the early days to cut through push backs in what is a non-traditional female founder territory and she still strikes me as a woman with powerful, influential positive energy. I would love to have dinner with her.
What has been your biggest win in your entrepreneurial journey?
In a single moment, it was my first TAZAAR team meeting when I had 4 people on the call all drawn to my vision.
What has been your biggest challenge?
My biggest challenge was finding and securing technical experience in my team.
Where did you go for business advice and how did it help you?
I went to people who had founded their own business, I also asked advice from friends and family in the beginning. Friend and family validation was key. Very early on, I managed to secure some mentorship from Accelerather for advice on my pitch deck. Advice from Rhona Campbell in the early days was instrumental and I will always hold Accelerather and Invest Women in high regard. Later on, I was accepted on in Cambridge University's Women in Sustainable Innovation- my first break on to professional business support.
What drives you to make your business a success?
My key drive is purpose. This is a solution that will not only migitate climate change, but it will make technology products more cost inclusive. I am a climate activist and entrepreneurship is my way of making a difference.
What advice would you give other founders thinking about starting their own business?
It's hard to say when I haven't made it yet, but I would say don't be afraid to start asking people for feedback on your idea from the beginning. TAZAAR has accelerated since I moved away from hidden mode to asking people advice on my scrappy pitch decks, demos and grant proposals.